ALMONACID DEL MARQUESADO, Spain — Each February, the residents of the quaint village of Almonacid del Marquesado commemorate the feast day of the Virgen of Candelaria with a lively tradition involving “devils” and dancers who fill the streets with energy and faith.
The “Endiablada,” or Brotherhood of the Devils, festival has been a cherished event in this community since at least the medieval era, occurring annually on the 2nd and 3rd of February.
During this vibrant celebration, local men transform into devilish figures by wearing colorful costumes paired with striking red miter hats.
They adorn themselves with heavy copper cowbells, which create a cacophony of sound as they march, dance, and leap through the town’s narrow alleyways, making their way to the cemetery.
Participation in La Endiablada is exclusive to men who are either born in the village or are descendants of former residents.
“The cowbells weigh around 13 to 14 kilos (approximately 28 to 31 pounds), but it’s not exhausting for us because we feel a deep connection to this tradition,” explained Carmelo Sánchez, a participant in the event.
Younger boys also engage in the festivities, wearing smaller cowbells, ensuring the continuation of this unique cultural heritage for years to come.
Tourists like Hiroko Notomi expressed their fascination with the festival, noting, “It was incredibly unique to see so many cowbells. This festival is very interesting, and I appreciated how it doesn’t mimic a traditional city event; that made it special.”